Ireland's Press Up Hospitality to open 150-room Birmingham hotel

Ireland's Press Up Hospitality Group and sister company Oakmount have been granted planning permission to launch a hospitality complex in Birmingham's Grade II-listed Central Methodist Hall.

Birmingham City Council has approved a revamp that will see the opening of the Dean Birmingham, a 150-bedroom hotel that will feature eight new bars and restaurants, a gym and events space. It will be the first Dean hotel outside of the Republic of Ireland.

The Dean hotel brand is operated by Press Up and has locations in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

The Central Methodist Hall was built in 1904 and has been vacant since 2017. It is currently part of Heritage England's At Risk Register.

TODD architects have been appointed to oversee the construction of the venue and O'Donnell O'Neill will be leading the interior design at the hospitality and leisure complex.

Jessica Carlyle-Clarke, head of business development and new opportunities UK at Oakmount and Press Up, said: "We are thrilled to have been granted planning permission for Press Up Hospitality Group's biggest UK project to date in this iconic landmark building in Birmingham. This is the start of a very exciting time for the group."

Press Up Hospitality Group is an Irish leisure and hospitality operator with a portfolio of over 65 venues, including the five-strong Elephant & Castle restaurant brand in Ireland, and Glasson Lakehouse hotel in Killinure,Co. Westmeath.

Oakmount is a property development company based in Ireland and alongside Press Up is part of parent company McKillen Corporation, which is directed by Patrick McKillen Junior.